Simon Named Walmart U.S. President and CEO

Posted on June 29, 2010 by HFN Staff

BENTONVILLE, Ark.-Bill Simon has been promoted to president and chief executive officer of Walmart U.S.

Simon, formerly chief operating officer of Walmart U.S., is succeeding Eduardo Castro-Wright, who remains the retailer's vice chairman and who is transitioning to a new role as president and CEO of Global.com, the global e-commerce unit Walmart launched in January.

Simon, who is taking on his new post immediately, reports directly to Mike Duke, president and CEO of Walmart Stores Inc. Castro-Wright, who will be transitioning to his new roles through Aug. 1, will hold onto his current responsibilities over Walmart's global sourcing.

In a company statement, Duke said Simon's promotion is a recognition of the "positive difference" he has made since becoming the U.S. chief operating officer in 2006. Duke also said Castro-Wright's new duties indicate the "critical" role Global.com and global sourcing are to Walmart's future growth. When he became vice chairman in November 2008, Castro-Wright was given responsibility over both Walmart U.S. and global sourcing.

In assuming his new responsibilities, Castro-Wright will relocate to California to be close to his family while his wife, Fabiola, recovers from a heart-transplant operation, according to a Walmart memo.